Iranian artist Salman Khoshroo’s latest works delve into the realm of polymer, a material often associated with industry rather than art. By manipulating thick balls of tinted primary colors, Khoshroo creates dynamic busts that evoke the essence of humanity through a striking balance of brushstrokes and methodical swoops.

This polymer series is the culmination of Khoshroo’s ongoing exploration of diverse materials and their artistic potential. As he explains, “I look for materials with interesting behaviors that embody a certain kind of empathy with physical sensations.”

The sticky, gestural nature of polymer aligns perfectly with his desire to create works that dance and wrestle with their substance, ultimately giving rise to definitive human forms.

Before venturing into polymer, Khoshroo experimented with velvet and synthetic fur, crafting portraits that highlighted our fragility during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These earlier works provided him with comfort and helped him navigate his own experience with the virus. The tender and vulnerable nature of these portraits resonates with the precarious times we live in, prompting Khoshroo to seek new materials and approaches to reinvent his practice.

His use of polymer stands as a testament to his willingness to challenge conventional notions of artistic materials. By embracing the industrial and unconventional, Khoshroo creates pieces that are both visually arresting and deeply evocative. His exploration of materiality serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that exist within the realm of art, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries of creativity.